Taking back New York City since 2007.
Named Time Out New York’s, “New Yorker of the Year” in 2017
“In a 51 member body, Mr. Espinal has been a standout” - 2019, New York Times editorial board
Rafael Espinal, a proud Brooklyn native, was born in Woodhull Hospital in1984 to working-class immigrants from the Dominican Republic. As the third of six children, his early experiences in the under-resourced neighborhood of Cypress Hills - one of the most neglected areas of New York City at the time - became the bedrock of his commitment to equity and economic justice. Raised by Union parents, Rafael developed a powerful, progressive voice that has echoed through the city for the past decade, and as the Council Member for the City’s 37th District, he served the beautifully diverse communities of Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, and East New York with unwavering dedication.
Rafael's deep-seated understanding of human needs led him to serve as a beacon of hope for low-income communities. After graduating from Queens College, he taught Adult Literacy and General Education Degree (GED) courses in his neighborhood before joining the office and serving as the Chief of Staff of then New York City Councilman Erik Martin Dilan in 2007.
Rafael's proactive approach to change propelled him to become a New York State Assembly Member for the 54th Assembly District in 2011. Over two years, he championed the passage of four bills that advocated for improved healthcare, more humane immigration practices, and fiscal policies for the common good, leading City and State to recognize him as one of New York City’s “40 under 40 Rising Stars”. Elected to the City Council in 2013, Rafael continued his advocacy, pushing through the most comprehensive neighborhood investment plan in the city’s history and securing unprecedented amounts of affordable housing, jobs, and infrastructure investments for East New York.
Rafael has emerged as a vibrant voice for New York City's young, ambitious, and marginalized communities. He advocates fiercely for environmental sustainability, nurtures art and creative spaces in neighborhoods undergoing gentrification, and defends the rights of those disenfranchised by the city. His vision of governance prioritizes the needs of the many over the privileges of the few, truly embodying the principle of serving for the greater good.
Named “New Yorker of the Year” by Time Out New York in 2017 and recognized as a “standout” by the New York Times, Rafael shows no signs of slowing down. He believes in the power of open dialogue and plans to host regular public meetings to ensure a continuous exchange with the most crucial part of New York City: its people. His commitment, resilience, and progressive vision make him a compelling advocate for liberals, left-leaning, and moderates alike, driven by the belief in building a city that truly serves everyone.
